Mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier

ABSTRACT

A mobility enhancement system is provided. The mobility enhancement system includes a leg wrap having a first pulley assembly coupled therewith. The first pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. A chair leg anchor has a second pulley assembly coupled therewith. The second pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. A rope has a secured end and a free end. The secured end is coupled to the chair leg anchor. The rope is threaded from the secured end through the two or more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly and through the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly such as to create a force multiplier of the rope pulling force.

BACKGROUND

Immediate exercise of the knee is desirable following a variety ofinjuries and many surgical procedures, including total knee replacementand anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair, to restore full range ofmotion. For effective rehabilitation, both flexion and extensionmobility exercises are recommended. Although the specific regimen canvary depending on the circumstances, a typical regimen for the firstthree to four weeks of rehabilitation is to perform both flexion andextension exercises three times a day for ten minutes each. Over time,such rehabilitation generally improves range of motion and strength ofthe user's knee(s). Often, these exercises can be limited to beingperformed either at a physical therapist's office or by renting physicaltherapy equipment and having a physical therapist come to the user'shome. The reason for such limitations is that bulky, expensive andcomplicated equipment is typically required to perform such exercise.Moreover, both the equipment and the proper use of the equipmenttypically require significant guidance and supervision.

It would be advantageous if physical therapy equipment for kneerehabilitation could be improved.

SUMMARY

It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce aselection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of thisdisclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the mobilityenhancement system having a force multiplier.

The above objects as well as other objects not specifically enumeratedare achieved by a mobility enhancement system. The mobility enhancementsystem includes a leg wrap having a first pulley assembly coupledtherewith. The first pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. Achair leg anchor has a second pulley assembly coupled therewith. Thesecond pulley assembly has two or more pulley wheels. A rope has asecured end and a free end. The secured end is coupled to the chair leganchor. The rope is threaded from the secured end through the two ormore pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly and through the two ormore pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly such as to create aforce multiplier of the rope pulling force.

There is also provided a method of using a mobility enhancement systemfor leg extension. The method includes the steps of attaching a chairleg anchor to a leg of a chair, inserting a user's leg through a legwrap until the leg wrap is above the user's knee, bending acorresponding knee and placing a corresponding foot on an elevatedsurface of comfortable height, thereby forming an elevated leg,extending a rope between a first pulley assembly and a second pulleyassembly such that the rope engages pulley wheels of both the first andsecond pulley assemblies, the first pulley assembly having two or morepulley wheels and the second pulley assembly having two or more pulleywheels and pulling the rope to extend the elevated leg to a positionthat is closer to being parallel to a surface of a floor, wherein thefirst and second pulley assemblies are configured to provide amultiplier force that allows a user to urge the leg wrap in a directiontoward the chair leg anchor with a minimum of force.

There is also provided a method of using a mobility enhancement systemfor leg flexion. The method includes the steps of attaching a chair leganchor to a leg of a chair, inserting a user's leg through a leg wrapuntil the leg wrap is proximate the user's ankle, placing acorresponding foot on a floor surface, extending a rope between a firstpulley assembly and a second pulley assembly such that the rope engagespulley wheels of both the first and second pulley assemblies, the firstpulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels and the second pulleyassembly having two or more pulley wheels and pulling the rope to bendthe leg at the knee to a position where the leg wrap is closer to thechair leg anchor, wherein the first and second pulley assemblies areconfigured to provide a force multiplier that allows a user to urge theleg wrap in a direction toward the chair leg anchor with a minimum offorce.

Various objects and advantages of the mobility enhancement system havinga force multiplier will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, when read in light of theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobility enhancement system having aforce multiplier.

FIG. 2 is a front view, in elevation, of a first pulley assembly of themobility enhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a framework of the first pulley assemblyof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded front view, in elevation, of the first pulleyassembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a rope and pulley system of the mobilityenhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system havinga force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in an initial relaxed orientationfor use in leg extension exercises.

FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system havinga force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in a second, extended orientationfor use in leg extension exercises.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system havinga force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in an initial relaxed orientationfor use in leg flexion exercises.

FIG. 7b is a perspective view of the mobility enhancement system havinga force multiplier of FIG. 1, shown in a second, flexed orientation foruse in leg flexion exercises.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of using the mobilityenhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1 for leg extensionexercises.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of using the mobilityenhancement system having a force multiplier of FIG. 1 for leg flexionexercises.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier will now bedescribed with occasional reference to specific embodiments. Themobility enhancement system having a force multiplier may, however, beembodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are providedso that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the mobility enhancement system having a forcemultiplier to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the mobility enhancement system having a forcemultiplier belongs. The terminology used in the description of themobility enhancement system having a force multiplier herein is fordescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting of the mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier.As used in the description of the mobility enhancement system having aforce multiplier and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless thecontext clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofdimensions such as length, width, height, and so forth as used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated,the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims areapproximations that may vary depending on the desired properties soughtto be obtained in embodiments of the mobility enhancement system havinga force multiplier. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges andparameters setting forth the broad scope of the mobility enhancementsystem having a force multiplier are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certainerrors necessarily resulting from error found in their respectivemeasurements.

In accordance with illustrated embodiments, the description and figuresdisclose a mobility enhancement system having a force multiplier(hereafter “mobility system”) and a method of using the mobility system.The mobility system can be used to prevent muscle loss by rebuilding thestrength of different muscle groups and preventing stiffness of a user'sknee. Knee extension exercises promote muscle activity and strengthenthe quadriceps muscle group. Knee flexion exercises promote muscleactivity and strengthen the hamstring muscle group. Coupling kneeextension exercises with knee flexion exercise is important to achievemaximum range of motion following injury or surgery to the knee or ACL.Both extension and flexion exercises can be accomplished using themobility system at the onset for ten minutes, three times a day. Afterthe first three to four weeks, the user can increase the amount of timespent utilizing the mobility system. As the user's range of motionincreases, the user can adjust the tension of the mobility system byadjusting a rope. The user can also add a weight or bearing to thesystem to achieve the desired tension in order to further increase rangeof motion. The mobility system is portable and can be used at home,work, during travel, or at any other suitable location. The mobilitysystem can be used by a person of any size by making simple adjustments.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one non-limiting embodiment of a mobilitysystem is shown schematically at 10. The mobility system 10 isconfigured to provide a portable, inexpensive and simple system andmethod of exercising a user's leg to enhance mobility and to promoterehabilitation and strength training. The mobility system 10 includes aleg wrap 12, chair leg anchor 14, a rope and pulley system 16, a handle22, a leg stirrup 24 and chair leg stirrup 26.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the leg wrap 12 is configured for wrappingaround a user's leg above the user's knee during extension exercises ordirectly above the user's ankle during flexion exercise. The leg wrap 12could be securely fastened in place by a snap buckle, snap lock buckle,side snap buckle, buckle, button, snap-button, adhesive, tape, glue,temporary adhesive, spray adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive,hook-and-loop fastener, removable adhesive tab, peel-and-stick material,clay, putty, sticky material, staple, retaining structure, clip, screw,pin, other suitable adhesive or retaining device, or any combinationthereof.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the leg wrap 12 can be formed from materialssuch as the non-limiting examples of terry cloth, towel-like material,cloth, canvas, silk, chiffon, polyester, cotton, flax, wool, ramie,nylon, denim, leather, rayon, bamboo, rope, jute, hemp, sisal, fiber,rope-like material, twine, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene,polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, bungee cord material,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), high-gloss polyester, synthetic rubber,natural rubber, plastic, polymer, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, othersuitable material, or any combination thereof.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the leg wrap 12 could be used in conjunctionwith the leg stirrup 24. The leg stirrup 24 could be positioned directlybelow the user's knee during extension exercises or under the user'sfoot during flexion exercises. The leg stirrup 24 is configured tomaintain the leg wrap 12 in a position appropriate to provide maximumsupport to the user's leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the legstirrup 24 is formed from the same material as the leg wrap 12. However,it is within the contemplation of the mobility system 10 that the legwrap 12 and the leg stirrup 24 can be formed from different materials.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the chair leg anchor 14 forms a loop 15. Thechair leg anchor 14 is configured for anchoring around a chair leg (notshown) in a manner such that the chair leg is lifted and the loop 15 ispositioned to fit around the chair leg. In alternate embodiments, thechair leg anchor 14 could also be anchored around a chair leg throughthe use of a snap buckle, snap lock buckle, side snap buckle, buckle,button, snap-button, adhesive, tape, glue, temporary adhesive, sprayadhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, hook-and-loop fastener, removableadhesive tab, peel-and-stick material, clay, putty, sticky material,staple, retaining structure, clip, screw, pin, other suitable adhesiveor retaining device, or any combination thereof. It should be understoodthat a chair could be any structure the user could sit on, including afour-legged chair, step stool, bar stool, butterfly chair, bench, table,chaise lounge, folding chair, office chair, other suitable structure, orany combination thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the chair leg anchor 14 isformed from the same material as the leg wrap 12. However, it is withinthe contemplation of the mobility system 10 that the leg wrap 12 and thechair leg anchor 14 can be formed from different materials.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the chair leg anchor 14 could be used inconjunction with chair leg stirrup 26. The chair leg stirrup 26 isconfigured for positioning under an appropriate chair leg such that thechair leg anchor 14 remains positioned at the bottom of selected chairleg. In the illustrated embodiment, the chair leg stirrup 26 is formedfrom the same material as the leg wrap 12. However, it is within thecontemplation of the mobility system 10 that the leg wrap 12 and thechair leg stirrup 26 can be formed from different materials.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the rope and pulley system 16 is configuredto couple the leg wrap 12 with the chair leg anchor 14. The rope andpulley system 16 is figured further configured to provide a forcemultiplier such that a user can urge the leg wrap 12 and the chair leganchor 14 in a direction toward each other with a minimum of force. Therope and pulley 16 includes a first pulley assembly 30, a second pulleyassembly 32 and a rope 34 arranged therebetween. The first pulleyassembly 30 is connected to the leg wrap 12 and the second pulleyassembly 32 is connected to the chair leg anchor 14. Accordingly, thefirst pulley assembly 30 is movable as the leg wrap 12 moves and can bereferred to as a movable pulley assembly. As the second pulley assembly32 is connected to the chair leg anchor 14, the second pulley assembly32 is generally stationary as the mobility system 10 is used, andtherefore can be referred to as a stationary pulley assembly. The ropeand pulley system 16 will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the handle 22 is connected to a first end 36of the rope 34. The handle 22 is configured to facilitate movement ofthe rope 34 in a direction such as to urge the leg wrap 12 in adirection toward the chair leg anchor 14. In the illustrated embodiment,the handle 22 has an arcuate form along one edge and a substantiallystraight opposing edge. However, in other embodiments, the handle 22 canhave any desired shape sufficient to facilitate movement of the rope 34.In one embodiment, rope 34 could be connected or otherwise coupled tothe handle 22 in any suitable manner including tying the rope 34 aroundhandle 22, having male and female coupling adapters, having a ball andsocket attachment, having a brass ring and chain attachment, a clip orpin attachment, or using other suitable coupling materials, or anycombination thereof. The handle 22 could be made of hard plastic, softplastic, wood, brass, steel, silicon, synthetic rubber, natural rubber,polymer, leather, other suitable material, or any combination thereof.If desired, the handle 22 could be customized and embellished withdifferent colors, stickers, removable stickers, paints, stencils,erasable markers, chalks, designs, patterns, images, wood grainpatterns, novelty items, ornamental items, other decorative materials,or any combination thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, the first pulley assembly 30 isillustrated. The first pulley assembly 30 is representative of thesecond pulley assembly 32. The first pulley assembly 30 includes aplurality of pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b mounted for rotation within aplurality of legs 41 a, 41 b and 41 c of a framework 42. As illustrated,the first pulley assembly 30 has more than one pulley wheel. The firstand second pulley assemblies 30, 32 will be discussed in more detailbelow.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, the leg 41 a has an aperture 44 aconfigured to receive and support an axle 46 a extending therethrough.The axle 46 a is configured as a support surface for the sheave 40 a.The axle 46 a is centered about a longitudinal axis A-A. In a similarmanner, the leg 41 c has an aperture 44 c configured to receive andsupport an axle 46 b extending therethrough. The axle 46 b is configuredas a support surface for the sheave 40 b. The axle 46 b is centeredabout a longitudinal axis B-B. The leg 41 b includes an aperture 44 bconfigured to receive and support the axles 46 a, 46 b.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4, the axle 46 a includes a threadedaperture 48 a and the axle 46 b includes a threaded aperture 48 b. Thethreaded apertures 48 a, 48 b are configured to receive the threadedmember 50, such that the axles 46 a, 46 b are secured to each other andthe axes A-A and B-B align. While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4illustrates the use of the threaded member 50 to secure the axles 46 a,46 b to each other, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments,other structures, mechanisms and devices can be used to secure the axles46 a, 46 b to each other such that the axes A-A and B-B align.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the framework 42 is illustrated. The framework42 includes the leg 41 a, 41 b and 41 c. Leg 41 a includes the aperture44 a, leg 41 b includes the aperture 44 b and leg 41 c includes theaperture 44 c. The framework 42 also includes an upper segment 52 havingone or more slots 54. The slots 54 are configured as connection pointswith the leg wrap 12 and the chair leg anchor 14. In the illustratedembodiment, the framework 42 is connected to the leg wrap 12 with a hookand loop fastener extending through the slots 54. In alternateembodiments, the framework 42 can be fastened to the leg wrap 12 withother structures, mechanisms and devices, including the non-limitingexamples of snaps, buckles, clips and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the rope 34 is configured to engage the firstand second pulley assemblies 30, 32 and the handle 22 and furtherconfigured to cause movement of the leg that is fixed within the legwrap 12. The rope 34 can be made of nylon, rope, jute, hemp, sisal,leather, fiber, rope-like material, twine, cloth, canvas, polypropylene,polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, bungeecord material, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-glosspolyester, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polymer, naturalfiber, synthetic fiber, other suitable material, or any combinationthereof, sufficient to engage the first and second pulley assemblies 30,32 and the handle 22 and cause movement of the leg that is fixed withinthe leg wrap 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 5, the first pulley assembly 30 and thesecond pulley assembly 32 are arranged such that the pulley wheels 40 a,40 b of each are in an opposing manner. The rope 34 is configured toengage the pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of the first pulley assembly 30 andthe second pulley assembly 32 such as to form a block and tackle type ofassembly, and further configured to transmit a tension force via thefirst and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that a user can urge theleg wrap 12 with the chair leg anchor 14 in a direction toward eachother with a minimum of force. In this manner, the first and secondpulley assemblies 30, 32 and the engaged rope provide a mechanicaladvantage, or force multiplier, over simple one-wheel pulley systems.The term “force multiplier”, as used herein, is defined to mean themultiplication, by the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32, of thepulling force provided by the user.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5, the first end 36 of the rope 34extends from the handle 22 to the pulley wheel 40 a of the second pulleyassembly 32 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulley wheel 40 a. Asecond portion 60 of the rope 34 extends from the pulley wheel 40 a ofthe second pulley assembly 32 to the pulley wheel 40 a of the firstpulley assembly 30 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulley wheel40 a. A third portion 62 of the rope 34 extends from the pulley wheel 40a of the first pulley assembly 30 to the pulley wheel 40 b of the secondpulley assembly 32 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulley wheel40 b. A fourth portion 64 of the rope 34 extends from the pulley wheel40 b of the second pulley assembly 32 to the pulley wheel 40 b of thefirst pulley assembly 30 and is wrapped around a portion of the pulleywheel 40 b. Finally, a fifth portion 66 of the rope 34 extends from thepulley wheel 40 b of the first pulley assembly 30 and is connected tothe chair leg anchor 14.

Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the first andsecond pulley assemblies 30, 32 and the portions 60, 62, 64 and 66 ofthe rope 34 cooperate to provide a mechanical advantage or forcemultiplier of at least 4. However, it should be appreciated that inother embodiments, the mechanical advantage or force multiplier can begreater than 4.

While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 illustrates the use of firstand second pulley assemblies 30, 32, each having two pulley wheels, itshould be appreciated that in other embodiments, each of the first andsecond pulley assemblies 30, 32 can have more than two pulley wheelssufficient to form a block and tackle mechanism sufficient to provide amechanical advantage, or force multiplier, to urge the leg wrap 12 withthe chair leg anchor 14 in a direction toward each other with a minimumof force.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b , the mobility system 10 can beconfigured for two operational modes. The first operational mode isconfigured to provide an extension action to a knee of the user. Thesecond operational mode is configured to provide a flexion action to theknee of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 6a , the first operational mode (extension) of themobility system 10 includes a first, relaxed orientation. In the first,relaxed orientation, the leg wrap 12 is wrapped around a user's leg at alocation above the user's knee. The user's knee is arranged to be in abent orientation and the user's foot is rested on an elevated surface.The leg stirrup 24 is positioned directly below the user's knee andconfigured to maintain the leg wrap 12 in a position appropriate toprovide maximum support to the user's leg. The chair leg anchor 14 isanchored under a chair leg 70 in a manner such that the chair leg 70maintains the chair leg anchor 14 in place. The first pulley assembly 30is connected to the leg wrap 12 and the second pulley assembly 32 isconnected to the chair leg anchor 14.

Referring again to FIG. 6a , the rope 34 extends between the first andsecond pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that the rope 34 engages the pulleywheels 40 a, 40 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32.A first end 36 of the rope 34 extends to the handle 22 and a second end38 of the rope 34 is secured to the chair leg anchor 14. The chair legstirrup 26 is positioned around the chair leg 70 such that the chair leganchor 14 remains positioned at the bottom of the chair leg 70. There islittle or no tension in the rope 34 as the user has not urged the handle22 such that the leg wrap 12 moves in a direction toward the chair leganchor 14. In the first, relaxed orientation, there is no force actingon the user's leg to move the leg to an extended position.

Referring now to FIG. 6b , the first operational mode (extension) of themobility system 10′ is shown in a second, extended orientation. In thesecond, extended orientation, the leg wrap 12 is wrapped around a user'sleg at a location above the user's knee. The user's foot is rested onthe elevated surface. The leg stirrup 24 is positioned directly belowthe user's knee as described above and configured to maintain the legwrap 12 in a position appropriate to provide maximum support to theuser's leg. The chair leg anchor 14 is anchored under a chair leg 70 ina manner such that the chair leg 70 maintains the chair leg anchor 14 inplace. The first pulley assembly 30 is connected to the leg wrap 12 andthe second pulley assembly 32 is connected to the chair leg anchor 14.

Referring again to FIG. 6b , the rope 34 extends between the first andsecond pulley assemblies, 30, 32 such that the rope 34 engages thepulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of both the first and second pulley assemblies,30, 32. A first end 36 of the rope 34 extends to the handle 22 and asecond end 38 of the rope 34 is secured to the chair leg anchor 14. Thechair leg stirrup 26 is positioned around the chair leg 70 such that thechair leg anchor 14 remains positioned at the bottom of the chair leg70. The user urges the handle 22 in direction away from the first pulleyassembly 30. The movement of the handle 22 in a direction away from thefirst pulley assembly 30 causes the various portions of the rope 34between the first and the second pulley to tighten, which in turn causesthe distance between the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 toshorten. Shortening of the distance between the first and second pulleyassemblies 30, 32 causes movement of the leg wrap 12 in a directiontoward the first pulley assembly 30. The movement the leg wrap 12 in adirection toward the first pulley assembly 30 causes an extension of theuser's leg. The mechanical advantage, or force multiplier, provided bythe multi-wheeled pulleys of the rope and pulley system 16 allows a userto urge the leg wrap 12 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 14with a minimum of force.

Referring now to FIG. 7a , the second operational mode (flexion) of themobility system 110 includes a first, relaxed orientation. In the first,relaxed orientation, the leg wrap 112 is wrapped around a user's leg ata location near the user's ankle. The user's knee is arranged to be in aslightly bent orientation with the user's foot resting on a groundsurface. The leg stirrup 124 is positioned around the user's foot andconfigured to maintain the leg wrap 112 in a position appropriate toprovide maximum support to the user's leg. The chair leg anchor 114 isanchored around a chair leg 170 in a manner such that the chair leg 170maintains the chair leg anchor 114 in place. The first pulley assembly130 is connected to the leg wrap 112 and the second pulley assembly 132is connected to the chair leg anchor 114.

Referring again to FIG. 7a , the rope 134 extends between the first andsecond pulley assemblies 130, 132 such that the rope 134 engages thepulley wheels 140 a, 140 b of both the first and second pulleyassemblies 130, 132. A first end 136 of the rope 134 extends to thehandle 122 and a second end 138 of the rope 134 is secured to the chairleg anchor 114. The chair leg stirrup 126 is positioned under the chairleg 170 such that the chair leg anchor 114 remains positioned at thebottom of the chair leg 170. There is little or no tension in the rope134 as the user has not urged the handle 122 such that the leg wrap 112moves in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 114. In the first,relaxed orientation, there is no force acting on the user's leg to movethe knee to a flexed position.

Referring now to FIG. 7b , the second operational mode (flexion) of themobility system 110′ is shown in a second, retracted orientation. In thesecond, retracted orientation, the leg wrap 112 is wrapped around theuser's leg at a location near the user's knee. The user's foot isslidable on the ground surface. The leg stirrup 124 is wrapped aroundthe user's foot as described above and configured to maintain the legwrap 112 in a position appropriate to provide maximum support to theuser's leg. The chair leg anchor 114 is anchored around the chair leg170 in a manner such that the chair leg 170 maintains the chair leganchor 114 in place. The first pulley assembly 130 is connected to theleg wrap 112 and the second pulley assembly 132 is connected to thechair leg anchor 114.

Referring again to FIG. 7b , the rope 134 extends between the first andsecond pulley assemblies 130, 132 such that the rope 134 engages thepulley wheels 140 a, 140 b of both the first and second pulleyassemblies 130, 132. A first end 136 of the rope 134 extends to thehandle 122 and a second end 138 of the rope 134 is secured to the chairleg anchor 114. The chair leg stirrup 126 is positioned under the chairleg 170 such that the chair leg anchor 114 remains positioned at thebottom of the chair leg 170. The user urges the handle 122 in directionaway from the first pulley assembly 130. The movement of the handle 122in a direction away from the first pulley assembly 130 causes thevarious portions of the rope 134 between the first and the second pulleyto tighten, which in turn causes the distance between the first andsecond pulley assemblies 130, 132 to shorten. Shortening of the distancebetween the first and second pulley assemblies 130, 132 causes movementof the leg wrap 112 in a direction toward the first pulley assembly 130.The movement the leg wrap 112 in a direction toward the first pulleyassembly 130 causes a flexing movement of the user's knee. Themechanical advantage, or force multiplier, provided by the multi-wheeledpulleys of the rope and pulley system 116 allows a user to urge the legwrap 112 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 114 with a minimumof force.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustratingmethod 200 of using the mobility system 10 to perform the extensionexercise as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b . It should be understoodthat method 200 shown in FIG. 8 is for illustrative purposes only andthat any other suitable method or sub-method could be used inconjunction with or in lieu of method 200. It should also be understoodthat the steps of method 200 could be performed in any suitable order ormanner.

Referring again to FIG. 8, initial step 202 includes attaching a chairleg anchor 14, such as for example, the chair leg anchor 14 describedabove and illustrated in FIG. 6 to one of the legs 70 of a chair, suchas one described in FIG. 6a . The chair 70 could be placed on a chairleg stirrup, such as, for example, chair leg stirrup 26 shown anddescribed in FIG. 6a to ensure chair leg anchor 14 stays positioned asdesired.

Referring again to FIG. 8 in a next step 204, the user inserts thecorresponding leg through a leg wrap, such as, for example, leg wrap 12shown and described above in FIG. 6a , until leg wrap 12 is directlyabove the knee, while a leg stirrup, such as, for example, leg stirrup24 also shown and described in FIG. 6a is directly below the knee. Theuser then bends the corresponding knee and places that foot on anelevated surface of comfortable height.

Referring again to FIG. 8 in a next step 206, the rope 34 is extendedbetween the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that the rope34 engages the plurality of pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of both the firstand second pulley assemblies 30, 32. A first end 36 of the rope 34extends to the handle 22 and a second end 38 of the rope 34 is securedto the chair leg anchor 14. There is little or no tension in the rope34.

Referring again to FIG. 8, in a next step 208 the user adjusts themobility system 10 by pulling on the rope 34, thereby causing a minortension between leg wrap 12 and chair leg anchor 14 to create the first,relaxed orientation of the first operational mode (extension) of themobility system 10.

Referring again to FIG. 8 in a next step 210, the user pulls rope 34using a handle, such as, for example, handle 22 shown and described inFIG. 6a to extend the elevated leg to a position that is closer to beingparallel to the floor. As the user pulls on the handle 22, themechanical advantage, or force multiplier, provided by the multi-wheeledpulleys of the rope and pulley system 16 allows a user to urge the legwrap 12 in a direction toward the chair leg anchor 14 with a minimum offorce.

Referring again to FIG. 8 in a final step 212, the user can then chooseto release tension using handle 22, thereby returning to the relaxedposition, and subsequently repeat the exercise, as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustratingmethod 300 of using the mobility system 10 to perform the flexionexercise as illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b . It should be understoodthat method 300 shown in FIG. 9 is for illustrative purposes only andthat any other suitable method or sub-method could be used inconjunction with or in lieu of method 300. It should also be understoodthat the steps of method 300 could be performed in any suitable order ormanner.

Referring again to FIG. 9, initial step 302 includes attaching a chairleg anchor, such as, for example, chair leg anchor 114 described aboveand shown in FIG. 7a to one of the back legs 170 of a chair. The chaircould be placed on a stirrup, such as, for example, chair leg stirrup126 also shown and described in FIG. 7a to ensure chair leg anchor 114stays positioned as desired.

Referring again to FIG. 9 in a next step 304, the user inserts thecorresponding leg through a leg wrap, such as, for example, leg wrap 112shown and described above in FIG. 7a , until the leg wrap 112 isdirectly above the ankle. The user then bends the corresponding knee andplaces that foot on a floor surface on top of a leg stirrup, such as,for example, leg stirrup 124 also shown and described in FIG. 7a tocreate the first, relaxed orientation.

Referring again to FIG. 9 in a next step 306, the rope 34 is extendedbetween the first and second pulley assemblies 30, 32 such that the rope34 engages the plurality of pulley wheels 40 a, 40 b of both the firstand second pulley assemblies 30, 32. A first end 36 of the rope 34extends to the handle 22 and a second end 38 of the rope 34 is securedto the chair leg anchor 14. There is little or no tension in the rope34.

Referring again to FIG. 9 in a next step 308 the user pulls a rope, suchas, for example, rope 134 shown and described in FIG. 7a using a handle,such as, for example, handle 122 also shown and described in FIG. 7a toflex the leg and pull the heel back towards the rear of the chair. Asthe user pulls on the handle 122, the mechanical advantage, or forcemultiplier, provided by the multi-wheeled pulleys of the rope and pulleysystem 116 allows a user to urge the leg wrap 112 in a direction towardthe chair leg anchor 1114 with a minimum of force.

Referring again to FIG. 9 in a final step 310, the user can choose torelease tension using handle 122, thereby returning to the first,relaxed orientation, and subsequently repeat the exercise, as desired.

The principle and mode of operation of the mobility enhancement systemhaving a force multiplier has been described in certain embodiments.However, it should be noted that the mobility enhancement system havinga force multiplier may be practiced otherwise than as specificallyillustrated and described without departing from its scope. cm What isclaimed is:

1. A mobility enhancement system comprising: a leg wrap having a firstpulley assembly coupled therewith, the first pulley assembly having twoor more pulley wheels; a chair leg anchor having a second pulleyassembly coupled therewith, the second pulley assembly having two ormore pulley wheels; and a rope having a secured end and a free end, thesecured end being coupled to the chair leg anchor, wherein the rope isthreaded from the secured end through the two or more pulley wheels ofthe first pulley assembly and through the two or more pulley wheels ofthe second pulley assembly such as to create a force multiplier of therope pulling force.
 2. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1,wherein the force multiplier is at least 4.0.
 3. The mobilityenhancement system of claim 1, wherein the two or more pulley wheels ofthe first pulley assembly have axles with a common axis.
 4. The mobilityenhancement system of claim 1, wherein the two or more pulley wheels ofthe second pulley assembly have axles with a common axis.
 5. Themobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the two or more pulleywheels of the first pulley assembly are positioned in a commonframework.
 6. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein thetwo or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly are positionedin a common framework.
 7. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1,wherein the first pulley assembly is configured to move as leg wrapmoves.
 8. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the secondpulley assembly is configured to be stationary as the leg wrap moves. 9.The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein the each of the twoor more pulley wheels of the first pulley assembly is supported by itsown axle.
 10. The mobility enhancement system of claim 1, wherein theeach of the two or more pulley wheels of the second pulley assembly issupported by its own axle.
 11. A method of using a mobility enhancementsystem for leg extension, the method comprising the steps of: attachinga chair leg anchor to a leg of a chair; inserting a user's leg through aleg wrap until the leg wrap is above the user's knee; bending acorresponding knee and placing a corresponding foot on an elevatedsurface of comfortable height, thereby forming an elevated leg;extending a rope between a first pulley assembly and a second pulleyassembly such that the rope engages pulley wheels of both the first andsecond pulley assemblies, the first pulley assembly having two or morepulley wheels and the second pulley assembly having two or more pulleywheels; and pulling the rope to extend the elevated leg to a positionthat is closer to being parallel to a surface of a floor, wherein thefirst and second pulley assemblies are configured to provide a forcemultiplier that allows a user to urge the leg wrap in a direction towardthe chair leg anchor with a minimum of force.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein a chair leg stirrup is attached to the chair leg anchor andconfigured to maintain the chair leg anchor in an attached arrangementwith the leg of the chair.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein a legstirrup is attached to the leg wrap and configured to maintain the legwrap in a wrapped arrangement with the leg of the user.
 14. The methodof claim 11, wherein the force multiplier is at least 4.0.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the first pulley assembly is configured tomove as leg wrap moves.
 16. A method of using a mobility enhancementsystem for leg flexion, the method comprising the steps of: attaching achair leg anchor to a leg of a chair; inserting a user's leg through aleg wrap until the leg wrap is proximate the user's ankle; placing acorresponding foot on a floor surface; extending a rope between a firstpulley assembly and a second pulley assembly such that the rope engagespulley wheels of both the first and second pulley assemblies, the firstpulley assembly having two or more pulley wheels and the second pulleyassembly having two or more pulley wheels; and pulling the rope to bendthe leg at the knee to a position where the leg wrap is closer to thechair leg anchor, wherein the first and second pulley assemblies areconfigured to provide a force multiplier that allows a user to urge theleg wrap in a direction toward the chair leg anchor with a minimum offorce.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a chair leg stirrup isattached to the chair leg anchor and configured to maintain the chairleg anchor in an attached arrangement with the leg of the chair.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, wherein a leg stirrup is attached to the leg wrapand configured to maintain the leg wrap in a wrapped arrangement withthe ankle of the user.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the forcemultiplier is at least 4.0.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein thefirst pulley assembly is configured to move as leg wrap moves.